HIS Sisqó moves and soothing voice launched the former pop star into the music industry.

He and three others formed Ghetto Lingo in 2004.

But these days Martin Pike, who changed his surname from Phike for branding purposes, is singing a different tune.

The Assembly of Christ churchgoer is now doing gospel music.

He has been nominated at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards for Best R&B Singer and Best Gospel Newcomer for his first gospel album titled Man on a Mission.

The awards will be held on November 18 at the Durban ICC.

The 30-year-old singer says the change to gospel came after a lot of soul-searching. "The music industry comes with drugs, sex and adultery, but it's up to you not to participate," he says.

Pike met his girlfriend, now his wife and manager KK, in his carefree days.

"KK was different from other girls I had met. She ministered me," he says.

KK was a devout Christian and Pike's gigs, that involved lots of female fans, resulted in heated arguments. On one occasion, he slapped KK.

"I knew then that I had to change because I didn't want to be like my abusive father," he says.

Pike says KK left, saying: "Real men follow Jesus".

Later, one day in church, he heard a voice whispering in his ear: "It's time to receive me".

He says he kept hearing the voice. He finally accepted Christ in 2007 .

His self-titled album was launched in 2008 and he was nominated for the best Afro-pop album that year at the South African Music Awards.

During his time at Faith Records, he was encouraged by kwaito artist Kabelo "Bouga Luv" Mabalane to take the spiritual route.

Pike later landed acting roles in television soapies Backstage and 7de Laan as well as a presenting job on Coca-Cola Popstars 2010, where he was also an assistant director.

He says his spirituality grew and he decided to dedicate all his time to the church.

"I became the content producer of the church's TV channel as well as being involved in the creative department where I was a choreographer."

He began singing in the church and released a gospel album last year through his music company, PK Records. It wasn't long before the album attracted the gospel market in Nigeria, the U K , Canada and the US .

Pike was nominated at the En Sound Music Awards in Atlanta, Georgia, in the US, in July and won in the Best Urban Gospel and Best Foreign Artist categories.

The singer is currently working with international gospel star Delra Harris and local singers Lulu Dikana and Zonke for his upcoming album.

"I am also trying to get hold of hip-hop artist Zakwe and would also love to work with Idol winner Khaya Mthethwa," he adds.

PIKE'S FIRSTS

First gospel CD? - A CD by American gospel singer J-Moss which I bought in 2008.

First cellphone? - An Ericsson 64 something that I owned in 1999. It had a long aerial and I had to flip it open.

First suit? - I was part of a choir in 2006 and we had a special event so they bought me a black, a brown and a white suit.

First expensive gift you bought? Jimmy Choo shoes that I saw on someone from my church and thought they would look good on my wife. I took a photo of them and went shopping for them. They cost about R3,500!

First international visit? - A trip to China in a city called Guangzhou. I still remember a few Chinese phrases from that time.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Since the band Ghetto Lingo separated, the four male members have ventured into other stuff. Martin Pike shed some light on the other three guys:

• Sbusiso from Katlehong, Gauteng, has been involved in short films on Mzansi Magic and is currently working on an album.

• Philemon from Krugersdorp, Gauteng, got married two months ago and is working for a company that installs cables.

• Bjorn from Eldorado Park, Gauteng, acted in Dream Girls and is now singing on a cruise ship.

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